Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Research Articles

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Coverage and Confidence in Italy: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, the OBVIOUS Project.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are still below the target due to vaccine refusal or delay, lack of knowledge, and logistical challenges. Understanding these barriers is crucial for developing strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates. This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to investigate social and behavioral factors influencing decision making about the HPV vaccine. The survey was conducted from 11 April to 29 May 2022 and involved 10,000 Italian citizens aged ≥ 18 years. The sample was stratified based on region of residence, gender, and age group. 3160 participants were surveyed about themselves, while 1266 respondents were surveyed about their children's vaccine uptake. Among females aged ≥ 26 years, the national average HPV vaccine uptake was 21.7%, with variations across different regions. In the 18-25 age group, females had a vaccine uptake (80.8%) twice as much as males (38.1%), while vaccine uptake among male and female children aged 9-11 was similar. The OBVIOUS study in Italy reveals factors influencing low HPV vaccine uptake, suggesting targeted approaches, tailored information campaigns, heightened awareness of eligibility, promoting early vaccination, addressing low-risk perception among males, addressing safety concerns, and enhancing perceived accessibility to improve vaccine uptake and mitigate health risks.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Uptake of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination among Chinese Female Adults: A National Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey Based on a Large E-commerce Platform.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a promising step toward cervical cancer elimination. This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and HPV vaccine uptake among female adults in mainland China based on a large e-commerce platform. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of female adults between March 4 to April 20, 2022. The survey consisted of sociodemographic information, related knowledge, vaccination uptake, and attitudes toward vaccination. We included women aged 18-45 years in the final analysis. Logistic regressions were conducted to explore influencing factors associated with related knowledge, HPV vaccination uptake, and willingness to be vaccinated. In total, 3,572 female adults (34 years, IQR 30-39) were included in the analysis. The majority of the participants were highly educated (78.7%) with a high monthly family income (79.0%). The median HPV knowledge score was 8.25 out of 11. More than 75% of respondents were unvaccinated, while 95.8% of unvaccinated female adults are willing to be vaccinated. Variables such as age, insurance, vaccination history, and whether one had heard of the HPV vaccine influence HPV vaccination practice (all p-values < 0.05). The main barriers to vaccination were vaccine inaccessibility and the high cost of the vaccine. The findings of our study highlight a moderate knowledge level, poor vaccination rate, and strong willingness to be vaccinated among Chinese female adults who were better educated and wealthier. Targeted health education and practical support should be provided in the future, to reduce gaps between vaccine uptake and vaccine acceptance.

Associations Between Risk Perception and HPV Knowledge and Vaccine Uptake: Highlighting the LGBTQ+ Population.

Gay and bisexual males and other LGBTQ+ communities are more frequently exposed to factors associated with an increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition. Vaccination is critical to protect against HPV+ head and neck cancer (HNC). We characterized the association of perceived level of risk of contraction with HPV knowledge, and vaccine decision-making. Cross-sectional cohort. LGBTQ and general survey Reddit forums (control). A survey was shared amongst the online forums. Descriptive statistics characterized the data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to understand factors associated with vaccination, self-perceived high risk, and knowledge of HPV + HNC. Of 718 respondents, most were female (41.09%), Caucasian (59.89%), college-educated (33.01%), and insured (77.15%) with a mean age of 30.75 years. Half were vaccinated (49.16%), with most unvaccinated endorsing interest (60.58%). Few dependents were vaccinated (25.91%), with interest in vaccination among parents of unvaccinated children (38.58%). Knowledge of HIV's association with HPV (62.95%), HPV causing HNC (55.57%), and the vaccine's efficacy against HNC (55.57%) was also moderate. Identifying female (P = .042), a self-perceived high-risk (P < .001), and having vaccinated children (P < .001) increased vaccination likelihood; transgender (P = .021), or lesbian or gay sexual identity (P < .001) decreased likelihood. Personal HNC diagnosis (P < .001), self-vaccination (P < .001), having vaccinated children (P < .001), having anal sex (P = .001) or no knowledge of past HPV status (P < .001) increased likelihood of high self-perceived risk. Efforts to improve public education regarding the association between HPV and HNC and vaccination efficacy are required to better inform vaccine decision-making among individuals at risk for HPV infection.

Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Intention and Uptake Among US Hispanic Parents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: This study explored the influence of the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (HPVV) intentions and uptake among Hispanic parents in South Florida for their children aged 9-21. Method: A descriptive exploratory analysis was conducted using 39 surveys completed by Hispanic parents. These surveys encompassed demographic data and questions about HPVV uptake, intention, attitudes, subjective norms, knowledge, self-efficacy, and awareness. Results: Most participants were uninsured (77%), unemployed (59%), and had low Americanism acculturation (74%). A little over half were aware of the HPVV (54%), yet most had high positive HPVV attitudes (95%) and self-efficacy (85%). HPVV intentions within the year were also high (82%); however, HPVV uptake (45%) and HPVV knowledge (40%) were low at the time of the study. Most parents reported physicians (72%) and nurses/nurse practitioners (59%) as the most influential individuals in their decision-making. A statistically significant relationship between HPVV intention and HPVV attitude (X_Wald^2 (1) = 5.71, p = 0.02., OR = 5.11) and between HPVV uptake and HPVV awareness (X_Wald^2 (1) = 4.63, p = 0.03., OR = 12) were observed. Conclusion: This study recommends further research and targeted interventions to improve HPVV awareness among Hispanic communities. The participants' highly positive attitudes and self-efficacy provide a hopeful outlook for future vaccination efforts within this demographic.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2017-2022 National Immunization Survey: Sociodemographic Disparities Associated With Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation and Completion Series Among US Adolescents.

The introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has led to future decline in prevalence of HPV-causing cancers; however, disparities in early HPV vaccine uptake and coverage may contribute to persistent inequalities in HPV-related cancers in the United States. We assess the current trend of sociodemographic factors significantly associated with the initiation and Up To Date (UTD) HPV vaccine series among adolescents in the U.S. The retrospective National Immunization Survey-Teen data were analyzed for a cohort of adolescents aged 13-17 years who initiated HPV vaccine and completed the series from 2017 to 2022. A multivariable logistic regression estimated the correlation of sociodemographic variables to determine the odds of HPV vaccine initiation and completion as the outcomes. There were 3.2% and 5% surge in HPV vaccine initiation and UTD, respectively, with teens' mean age of 14.98 over the years. The unvaccinated dropped by 5.6%, and those not UTD declined by 4.6% in the HPV vaccine series during this period. The proportion of teens who initiated and completed the vaccine series were mostly older female teens, non-Hispanics, regularly insured with private coverage, raised by educated older mothers, above poverty status, and living in the South. The adjusted multivariable logistic regression shows the odds of initiating and completing increases over the years, and older teens are more likely to initiate the HPV vaccine and complete the vaccine series. However, boys with non-Medicaid coverage/uninsured in the South have lower odds to initiate and complete the vaccine. Improved HPV vaccine uptake and UTD were found in older females, insured with Medicaid, and from highly educated mothers in the Northeast. Findings underscore the importance of effective strategies to address current HPV vaccination disparities among identified teens with lower uptake and UTD that may reduce future burden of HPV-related cancers in the U.S.

HPV vaccination among eligible HIV-positive adults: a best practice implementation project.

The aim of this best practice implementation project was to promote evidence-based practices (EBPs) for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among eligible HIV-positive patients. HPV-induced cancers are largely preventable by prophylactic vaccination of HPV-naïve individuals. Immunosuppression in HIV-positive patients prevents clearance of HPV, which increases the risk of developing cancer. Health care agencies caring for individuals living with HIV must implement interventions to enhance uptake of HPV vaccination. This project was guided by the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare and JBI's Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool. A baseline audit was conducted to assess current practice against EBPs and to identify areas for improvement. A follow-up audit was used post-implementation to determine whether compliance with EBPs improved. The baseline audit revealed an average compliance rate of 46% with the two EBPs for increasing vaccination uptake. Three barriers to compliance were identified and strategies were implemented to address these barriers. The follow-up audit revealed 71% average compliance with the EBPs, a 25% increase from baseline. Interventions aimed at promoting HPV vaccination among HIV-positive individuals can reduce the risk of specific cancers. This project revealed an increase in compliance with EBPs for HPV vaccination for eligible HIV-positive patients when a vaccination reminder and recall system was placed in a frequently visited section of the electronic health record. However, a more sustainable solution would be to collaborate with the information technology staff to ensure that the health maintenance section in the electronic health record is configured correctly.

Immunogenicity of 2-Dose HPV Vaccine Series for Postpartum Women

Postpartum human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a promising strategy to increase HPV vaccination uptake in the US, particularly for reaching vaccine-naive women and those who lack health insurance beyond the pregnancy period. However, completion of the 3-dose vaccine regimen is challenging. To evaluate the immunogenicity of a 2-dose postpartum HPV vaccination regimen (0 and 6 months) and assess whether it is noninferior to a 3-dose postpartum HPV vaccination regimen (0, 1-2, and 6 months) administered to historical controls. A noninferiority, open-label, nonrandomized immunogenicity trial was conducted from August 4, 2020, to June 23, 2022, of postpartum patients aged 15 to 45 years who delivered at 2 hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland. Historical controls were adolescents and young women aged 16 to 26 years. Two doses of the nonavalent HPV vaccine administered 6 months apart. The primary outcome was noninferiority (90% CI, lower bound >0.67) of the geometric mean titer (GMT) ratio for HPV-16 among postpartum women compared with historical controls. Secondary outcomes were noninferiority of GMT ratios for the other 8 HPV types and percentage seroconversion for each HPV type. As a noninferiority trial, the primary analysis used the per-protocol analysis. Of 225 enrolled participants, the mean (SD) age at baseline was 29.9 (6.8) years, and 171 (76.0%) were HPV-16 seronegative at baseline. Of these 171 participants, 129 (75.4%) received a second vaccine dose and completed the subsequent 4-week serologic measurements. Relative to historical controls, the HPV-16 GMT ratio was 2.29 (90% CI, 2.03-2.58). At month 7, HPV-16 GMT was higher after the 2-dose regimen (7213.1 mMU/mL [90% CI, 6245.0-8331.4 mMU/mL]) than among historic controls after the 3-dose regimen (3154.0 mMU/mL [90% CI, 2860.2-3478.0 mMU/mL]). Similarly, the lower bound of the 90% CI of the GMT ratio was above 1 for the 8 HPV types 6, 11, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. A total of 118 of 134 women (88.1%) seroconverted for HPV-16 after the first dose; 4 weeks after the second dose, the seroconversion rate was 99% or greater for all HPV types. This study suggests that immunogenicity of a 2-dose HPV vaccination regimen given 6 months apart among postpartum women was noninferior to a 3-dose regimen among young historical controls. Most women seroconverted after the first dose of the 2-dose regimen. These results demonstrate that postpartum vaccination using a reduced schedule may be a promising strategy to increase HPV vaccine series completion. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04274153.

Modeling the Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of a Combined Schoolgirl HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Guangdong Province, China.

Low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake is a key barrier to cervical cancer elimination. We aimed to evaluate the health impact and cost-effectiveness of introducing different HPV vaccines into immunization programs and scaling up the screening program in Guangdong. We used a dynamic compartmental model to estimate the impact of intervention strategies during 2023-2100. We implemented the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in costs per averted disability-adjusted life year (DALY) as an indicator to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. We used an age-standardized incidence of 4 cases per 100,000 women as the threshold for the elimination of cervical cancer. Compared with the status quo, scaling up cervical cancer screening coverage alone would prevent 215,000 (95% CI: 205,000 to 227,000) cervical cancer cases and 49,000 (95% CI: 48,000 to 52,000) deaths during 2023-2100. If the coverage of vaccination reached 90%, domestic two-dose 2vHPV vaccination would be more cost-effective than single-dose and two-dose 9vHPV vaccination. If Guangdong introduced domestic two-dose 2vHPV vaccination at 90% coverage for schoolgirls from 2023 and increased the screening coverage, cervical cancer would be eliminated by 2049 (95% CI 2047 to 2051). Introducing two doses of domestic 2vHPV vaccination for schoolgirls and expanding cervical cancer screening is estimated to be highly cost-effective to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in Guangdong.

Determinants of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptance among Caregivers in Nigeria: A Fogg Behavior Model-Based Approach.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among adolescent girls is critical to reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers in Nigeria. This study assesses the factors influencing caregivers' acceptance of HPV vaccination for their charges, using the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM) as a theoretical framework. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 1429 caregivers of girls aged 9-17 in six Nigerian states, using a survey instrument based on the FBM. Participants were recruited via Facebook and Instagram advertisements and interviewed through Facebook Messenger in August and September 2023. The study received ethical clearance from Nigeria's National Health Research Ethics Committee. We applied bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess the relationships between the caregiver's perception of how likely their adolescent girl was to get vaccinated in the next 12 months and motivation, ability, social factors (such as discussions with family and friends), injunctive norms, previous COVID-19 vaccination, and respondents' sociodemographic characteristics. Adjusted odds ratios derived from logistic regression analyses revealed that caregivers' motivation and ability, as well as social factors, were significantly associated with their perception that the adolescent girl in their care would get vaccinated within the next 12 months. Our findings suggest that behavioral interventions tailored to enhance motivation, ability, and social support among caregivers could significantly increase HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls in Nigeria.

Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Associated Factors Among Female Students Attending Secondary Schools in South West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is one of the key preventative measures for cervical cancer, provided that effective vaccine uptake is employed. However, HPV vaccine uptake is low in settings with limited resources such as low- and middle-income countries. To assesses the uptake of HPV vaccine and associated factors among female students attending secondary schools in South West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted in secondary schools of South West Shoa Zone between November 1st to November 30th 2022. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed among 634 female students attending secondary schools. Data were collected by self-administered structured questionnaires, entered into Epi-info version 7.2.2.6, and exported to SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Bivariable analyses were considered for Multivariable analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence levels were estimated to assess the strength of the association, and a P value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The proportion of HPV vaccine uptake was 31.65% (95% CI, 25-38). Having adequate knowledge AOR = 8.51 (95% CI = 4.57-15.84), living in rural area AOR = 0.25 (95% CI = 0.15-0.42), having older sibling AOR = 4.07(95% = 2.50-6.63), mother's educational level (Diploma and above) AOR = 4.08 (95% CI = 1.75-9.49), and secondary education AOR = 3.98 (95% CI = 1.87-8.48) were significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake among female students attending secondary schools in South West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. The study revealed that HPV vaccine uptake was very low among female students attending secondary schools in South West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Adequate knowledge, having older sibling, living in rural area, and having mothers with higher educational level were significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake. All concerned bodies should work jointly to enhance the uptake of HPV vaccination among female students.

Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus vaccine among young women living in fishing communities in Wakiso and Mukono districts, Uganda.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a preventable cause of cervical cancer, the commonest cancer among women in Uganda. The Uganda Ministry of Health included the HPV vaccine in the free routine immunization schedule since 2015. Five years after this policy, we assessed the uptake of the HPV vaccine and associated socio-demographic factors among young women living in fishing communities in Central Uganda in 2020. We analyzed secondary data from 94 young women aged 9-25 years who were recruited from the two fishing communities (Kasenyi landing site and Koome Island) in a primary study that aimed to promote awareness of maternal and childhood vaccines. We assessed uptake of the HPV vaccine as the proportion of participants who self-reported to have ever received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. We assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake using a modified Poisson regression model adjusted for clustering by study site in STATA version 17. The mean (standard deviation) age of study participants was 21.1 (3.1) years and most (81.9%) of them were from Kasenyi landing site. The uptake of the HPV vaccine was 10.6% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.6, 18.9]. After adjusting for covariates, being 13-19 years old (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 5.52, 95%CI 1.69, 18.00) and of Catholic religion (aPR 5.55, 95%CI 1.53, 20.16) were significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake. The HPV vaccine uptake was very low, despite the reported 99% national coverage of HPV vaccination program for the first dose at the end of 2019. Age and religion showed to be important determinants of the HPV vaccine uptake. Reasons for such very low uptake of HPV vaccinations need to be carefully assessed to find effective strategies to improve it.

Factors Associated with the Uptake of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Among Adolescent Girls Aged 14 Old in Hai District of Kilimanjaro Region in Northern Tanzania.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is a key primary prevention method against cervical cancer which is given to young girls before onset of sexual activity. In Tanzania, cervical cancer is the most frequent occurring cancer among women and is the leading cause of cancer mortality. The HPV Vaccination programme was rolled-out in Tanzania in 2018 for adolescent girls aged 9-14 years to receive two doses at a six-months interval, with an annual vaccine uptake of 46.1%. In 2019, the uptake of the HPV vaccine was only 64%, whereas the national coverage target is 75%. This study aimed at assessing the determinants of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls in Hai district, Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to August 2020 among 14-year-old adolescent girls in four selected secondary schools, including two government-owned and two private-owned, within Hai district. Close-ended questionnaire interviews were conducted with the adolescent girls in the study and data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Odds ratio was used to assess the association between several factors and HPV vaccination. A total of 301 adolescent girls aged 14 years consented to the study. HPV vaccination uptake was 65%. More than three-fifths (n=119, 60.7%) reported having received the two required doses. Knowledge of HPV (OR 5.68; 95% CI, 0.72 to 44.96; P=.01) and HPV vaccine (OR 20.11; 95% CI, 10.88 to 37.99); P =.01) contributed significantly to HPV vaccine uptake among the adolescent girls in the study. More than one-third (n=105, 34.9%,) of the participants, were not vaccinated, the main reasons adduced for not being vaccinated include lack of proper information about the HPV vaccine (60.0%), fear of side effects (14%) and parental refusal (11%). HPV vaccination uptake was 65%. Lack of proper information to both the children and parents about the safety of the vaccine hinders its uptake. More effort should be made for clear and comprehensible dissemination of information especially to the community stakeholders mainly parents, community and religious leaders, about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine in order to considerably increase vaccination coverage among adolescent girls. Likewise, involvement of healthcare workers and policymakers in educating people about cervical cancer prevention measures can ensure successful implementation of HPV vaccination. There is need to conduct an indepth qualitative study to explore further people's perceptions and attitudes towards HPV.

Religious leaders´ willingness to promote the uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine among their congregants in Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya

Religious leaders´ willingness to promote the uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine among their congregants in Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya

Awareness and Willingness of Mothers and Daughters for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake – A Cross-sectional Study from Rural Community of Faridabad, Haryana

Awareness and Willingness of Mothers and Daughters for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake – A Cross-sectional Study from Rural Community of Faridabad, Haryana

Socioeconomic inequalities in human papillomavirus knowledge and vaccine uptake: evidence from a cross-sectional study in China.

Providing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective to eliminate the disparity in HPV-related cancers. It is unknown regarding inequality in the distribution of HPV vaccination in China since the vaccine was licensed and approved for use in 2016. This study aimed to examine socioeconomic inequalities in HPV-related knowledge and vaccination and identified factors associated with such inequalities. Self-administered questionnaires measuring HPV-related knowledge and vaccine uptake were completed by 1,306 women through online survey platform. HPV knowledge was assessed using a 12-item question stem that covered the hazards of HPV infection, HPV vaccine dosage, benefits, and protection. Cluster analysis by combining monthly household income, educational level, and employment status was used to identify socioeconomic status (SES) class. The concentration index (CI) was employed as a measure of socioeconomic inequalities in HPV-related knowledge and vaccination. Linear regression and logistic regression were established to decompose the contributions of associated factors to the observed inequalities. The CI for HPV-related knowledge and vaccine uptake was 0.0442 and 0.1485, respectively, indicating the higher knowledge and vaccination rate were concentrated in groups with high SES. Education and household income made the largest contribution to these inequalities. Age, residency and cervical cancer screening were also important contributors of observed inequalities. Socioeconomic inequalities in HPV-related knowledge and vaccination uptake are evident in China. Interventions to diffuse HPV-related information for disadvantaged groups are helpful to reduce these inequalities. Providing low or no-cost HPV vaccination and ensuring accessibility of vaccines in rural areas are also considered to be beneficial.

Uptake of human papilloma virus vaccination among adolescent girls living with HIV in Uganda: A mixed methods study.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Although this vaccination is recommended and provided at no cost to all adolescent girls aged 9 to19 years in Uganda, its uptake remains low. We sought to determine the uptake of, and factors associated with HPV vaccination among adolescent girls living with HIV in Uganda. We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study, among adolescent girls living with HIV, attending HIV care at the Mulago ISS HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda. We administered a structured questionnaire to elicit data on HPV vaccination and its covariates to a systematic random sample of 264 adolescent girls with HIV. A participant who had received all the three recommended HPV vaccine doses was classified as fully vaccinated. We then conducted four focus group discussions among adolescent girls living with HIV (n = 32), eight in-depth interviews among their parents and five Key informant interviews among their healthcare providers. We conducted descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses for the quantitative data before thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Of 264 adolescent girls, 31% (83/264) had at least one HPV vaccine dose; 22% (59/264) two doses, while 8.0% (21/264) were fully vaccinated (received three doses). While most participants received their first and second doses (48% (40/83)) and 57.6% (34/59), respectively) from school, the largest number of participants (47.1% (12/21)) received their third dose at community outreaches. Participants who received counseling from community members were three times more likely to get fully vaccinated compared to those who did not receive counseling (aOR 3.28, Cl:1.07-10.08, P = 0.038). From the qualitative follow-up, three major themes were identified: (1): Limited information about HPV vaccination, which gave room for misconceptions and doubts about the vaccine; (2) Parental influence on adolescent decisions was strong despite parents having limited knowledge about HPV vaccination and (3) Inadequacy of HPV vaccination services at the hospital and in the schools. Full HPV vaccination was low among adolescent girls living with HIV. Counseling of the adolescents by community members, alongside HPV vaccination community outreaches, provided a platform for vaccination. There should be strategies to provide adequate information about HPV vaccine to health workers, parents, and the adolescents. In addition to schools, community-based initiatives, including outreaches and lay-health workers can be utilized to improve HPV vaccine uptake among girls with HIV.

Applying the COM-B behaviour model to understand factors which impact 15-16 year old students' ability to protect themselves against acquirement of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in Northern Ireland, UK.

High-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to the development of a number of cancers including cervical, vulvar, penile, anal and oropharyngeal. HPV vaccination programmes offer the HPV vaccine to males and females 12-13 years old in schools throughout the UK. However, knowledge of HPV remains low in post-primary schools. The aim of this study is to capture 15-16 year old students' perceptions regarding the current provision of HPV education, and whether providing HPV education to 15-16 year olds could influence their intention to be vaccinated and/or future sexual health decisions related to HPV. Between 5th November 2021 and 6th May 2022, seven focus groups were conducted with 34 students in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. The data was analysed using the COM-B behaviour model to explore the perceived facilitators and barriers impacting students' ability to protect themselves from acquirement of HPV. Students perceived their knowledge of HPV to be poor and supported the addition of comprehensive mandatory HPV education at 15-16 years old when many of them were becoming sexually active. They identified barriers including lack of parental education, school ethos and religion and insufficient education regarding their legal rights to self-consent to HPV vaccination. Students felt that removal of these barriers would lead to safer sexual practices, increased awareness of the importance of HPV screening and increased HPV vaccination uptake. The recommendations provided by students need to be supported by the Education Authority in conjunction with the Department of Health in order to be successfully implemented into the post-primary school curriculum.

Impact of visit characteristics on intention to recommend HPV vaccine: An experiment with US health care professionals

ObjectivePresumptive recommendations that assume parents want to vaccinate can increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake. We sought to examine how visit characteristics affect health care professionals' (HCPs) intention to use this evidence-based recommendation style. MethodsIn 2022, we conducted an online experiment with 2527 HCPs who had a role in adolescent vaccination in the United States. Participants read 1 of 8 randomly assigned vignettes about a well-child visit. Using a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects factorial design, the vignettes varied the following visit characteristics: patient age (9 vs. 12-year-old), prior parental vaccine refusal (yes vs. no), and time pressure on the HCP (low vs. high). HCPs reported on their intention to use a presumptive HPV vaccine recommendation, as well as on related attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy. Analyses used 3-way analysis of variance and parallel mediation. ResultsParticipants were pediatricians (26%), family/general medicine physicians (22%), advanced practitioners (24%), and nursing staff (28%). Overall, about two-thirds of HCPs (64%) intended to use a presumptive recommendation. Intentions were higher for older children (b = 0.23) and parents without prior vaccine refusal (b = 0.39, both p < 0.001). Time pressure had no main effect or interactions. HCPs' attitudes and self-efficacy partially mediated effects of patient age and prior vaccine refusal (range of b = 0.04–0.28, all p < 0.05). ConclusionTo better support visits with younger children and parents who have refused vaccines, HCPs may need more training for making presumptive recommendations for HPV vaccine. Reinforcing positive attitudes and self-efficacy can help HCPs adopt this evidence-based recommendation style.

Determinants of the Implementation of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Zambia: Application of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Cervical cancer can be prevented, primarily by the administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and teachers play important roles when schools are used for vaccine delivery; however, challenges exist. This study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination that are perceived by HCWs and teachers. Guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), key informant interviews were conducted in Lusaka district between June 2021 and November 2021 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVIVO 12 for data management and analysis. We coded transcripts inductively and deductively based on the adapted CFIR codebook. We reached saturation with 23 participants. We identified barriers and facilitators across the five CFIR domains. Facilitators included offering the HPV vaccine free of charge, HPV vaccine effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and timely planning of the HPV vaccination. Barriers included vaccine mistrust due to its perceived novelty, low levels of parental knowledge, myths and misinformation about the vaccine, lack of parental consent to vaccinate daughters, lack of transport for vaccination outreach, lack of staff incentives, and inadequate sensitisation. Using the CFIR as a guiding framework, we have identified implementation barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination among HCWs and teachers. Most of the identified barriers are modifiable, hence it is prudent that these are addressed for a high HPV vaccine uptake.

Stakeholders’ perspectives on barriers to and facilitators of school-based HPV vaccination in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption: a qualitative mixed methods study

ABSTRACT Despite successfully implementing the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPVV) program, Saskatchewan (SK) struggled to improve HPVV uptake rates. This suboptimal uptake of HPVV with a status quo of HPV-linked cervical cancer incidence rate is mainly because HPVV’s impact on cancer prevention has not been realized adequately by vaccine providers and receivers. Further exploration of determinants of HPVV uptake is required to uncover high-resolution quality improvement targets for investment and situate contextually appropriate policies to improve its uptake. The study undertook a qualitative inquiry into understanding stakeholders’ perspectives on HPVV experience through school-based programmes. It collected data through semi-structured initial interviews (N = 16) and follow-up interviews (N = 10) from across Saskatchewan’s four Integrated Service Areas. Document analysis was conducted on all publicly available documents that included information on HPVV from January 2015 to July 2023. Thematic analysis of the data identified that inadequate information, awareness and education about HPV infection and HPVV among several groups, especially, parents, youth and school staff, was the main barrier to optimal HPVV uptake. Vaccine-related logistics, including the technical and text-heavy vaccine information sheet, understaffing, and time constraints, were other important factors that impeded HPVV uptake. A person-centred approach could educate parents in multiple dimensions.